Centre for Independent Living in Toronto

The series of focused social gatherings for adults with disabilities, thus offering a great opportunity to meet people, learn skills, have fun and get caught up with what’s happening in the community.

Events take place on a quarterly basis at varying wheelchair accessible locations around the City of Toronto. Attendant services and refreshments are provided at each event.

There is a $2.00 fee which everyone is asked to contribute to each event to cover the cost of refreshments. This fee may be waived for those who are not in a position to pay.

Past Adult Inter-Active events have included a picnic at Ashbridges Bay; a live dance performance by the e-MOTIONS; a Wheel-Trans information session; informal afternoon social gatherings; special holiday events and dances.

All adults with disabilities living in the City of Toronto can participate in these events, especially if you enjoy meeting new people; you would like to become more socially active in the community; and if you like having fun.

For more information contact Constantine at (416) 690-8804.

Assaulted Women’s Helpline

Tel: (416) 863-0511
TTY: (416) 863-7868
Toll Free (Ontario):1-866-863-0511
Toll Free TTY: 1-866-863-7868
#7233 (SAFE) on your Bell Mobility phone
http://awhl.org

The Assaulted Women’s Helpline offers a 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line to all women who have experienced abuse. We provide counselling, emotional support, information and referrals. We recognize abuse as one example of women’s social, political and economic inequality in the world. The Helpline is dedicated to working towards equality for all women.

They are a 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line for women in the province of Ontario.|

They also speak to friends and family members of abused women, service providers and other professionals in contact with abused women.

Their service is anonymous and confidential. You don't have to give your name. Their toll-free number won't show up on your phone bill. They do not have call display.

Call the Helpline today if you or someone you know is being abused. You are not to blame, no matter what anybody says. Abuse is always the responsibility of the abuser.

Services offered:
• Emotional support
• Safety planning
• Guidance around options
• Referrals for :
      o Shelters
      o Rape crisis centres
      o Legal services and supports
      o Community based supports
      o Criminal justice supports and services
      o Counsellors and therapists
      o Support groups
      o Culturally and linguistically appropriate services

ARCH Legal Resources

Phone: 1-866-482-2724
TTY: 1-866-482-2728
Email: archlib@lao.on.ca
Website: www.archdisabilitylaw.on.ca
Type of service: Disability Issues ~ Information/ Referral Services ~ Legal/ Justice Services ~ Violence Against Women
Languages of Service: ASL interpretation provided, English

Access Employment Services

Phone: (416) 921-1800
Email: access@pathcom.com
Website: www.accestrain.com
Type of service: Educational Programs ~ Financial Assistance/ Support ~ Information/ Referral Services ~ Settlement Services ~ Job Connect Languages of service: Amharic ~ Hindi ~ Cantonese ~ English ~ French ~ Mandarin ~ Urdu~ Marathi ~ Portuguese ~ Somali ~ Spanish ~ Swahili ~
Tamil ~ Punjabi

Access Alliance Multicultural Community Health Centre

Phone: (416) 324-8677
Fax: (416) 324- 9074
Email: mail@accessalliance.ca
Website: www.accessalliance.ca
Type of Service: Cultural Interpretation Services ~ Educational Programs ~ Group Counseling ~ Clinical Health Care Services ~ Individual Counseling ~ Information/ Referral Services
Languages of Services: English ~ Korean ~ Portuguese ~ Spanish ~ Vietnamese

Across Boundaries: An Ethno-racial Mental Health Centre

Phone: (416) 787- 3007
Email: info@acrossboundaries.ca
Website: www.acrossboundaries.ca
Type of Service: Crisis Counseling ~ Cultural Interpretation Services ~ Educational Activities ~ Ethno- specific Services ~ Group Counseling ~ Health Care Services ~ Individual Counseling ~ Information/ Referral Services
Language of Service: Cantonese ~ English ~ Punjabi ~ Swahili ~ Tagalog ~ Urdu

Anne Johnston Health Station

Phone: (416) 486-8666
TTY: (416) 486-6759
Fax: (416) 486-8660
Email: info@ajhs.ca
Website: www.ajhs.ca
Type of Service: Accompaniment Services ~ Assistive Devices ~ Educational Activities ~ Educational Programs ~ Health Care Services ~ Individual Counseling ~ Information/ Referral Services
Language of Services: Bengali ~ Cantonese ~ Dutch ~ English ~ Farsi ~ French~ Fuchien ~ Hindi ~ Portuguese~ Spanish ~ Tamil ~ Turkish

Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic

489 College Street, Suite 503
Toronto, ON M6G 1A5
Tel: 416-323-9149
Fax: 416-323-9107
TTY: 416-323-1361
http://schliferclinic.com

Mission: The Barbra Schlifer Commemorative clinic is a non-profit organization which operates as a multi-faceted service for female victims of violence. Operating as part of a network of services in the Toronto area, the Clinic is committed to the achievement of freedom from assault for all women. The Clinic is a free counseling, legal, interpretation, information and referral service for women who are survivors of violence.

Program Mandate: The program mandate is to work with and support the community towards effective and meaningful service for female victims and to contribute actively towards this goal through Clinic services.

Program Goals are as follows: to implement programs, particularly in the post-crisis phase, which address the individual needs of women and work towards the elimination of social conditions which condone assault against women.

Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) Ontario

Peer Support Program
520 Sutherland Drive
Toronto, Ontario M4G 3V9
Tel: (416) 422-5644
Toll-free: 1-877-422-1112
Fax: (416) 422-5943
Email: info@cpaont.org
http://cpaont.org

“Members helping members” through peer support is a philosophy that has been passed down through hundreds of Canadian Paraplegic Association counsellors over the course of five decades. The Association was originally established in 1945 by a group of spinal cord injured veterans who refused to languish in veterans’ hospitals. These pioneers believed that paraplegics and quadriplegics could, with adequate encouragement and support, overcome their initial challenges and return to independence and full-time employment. Through innovation and an extensive peer support network, they proved this to be true.

In the short term, the program will empower hundreds of peer volunteers to act as mentors and role models, providing support where it is most acutely needed--in the early stages of injury. It will also create ongoing opportunities for career advancement and funding for career development. Over time, it’s expected that the peer volunteer program will have a profound impact on the entire community of Canadians with SCI. There is annual $25 membership fee that does apply.

Coalition of Visible Minority Women

Phone: (416) 651-5071
Fax: (416) 651-5076
Type of Service: Crisis Counseling ~ Educational Programs ~ Ethno- specific Services ~ Group Counseling ~ Housing ~ Individual Counseling ~ Information/ Referral Services
Languages of Service: English

Community & Legal Aid Services Program (CLASP)

Women’s Division, Osgoode Hall
Phone: (416) 736-5030
Fax: (416) 736-5736
Website: www.osgoode.yorku.ca
Type of Service: Accompaniment Services ~ Information/ Referral Services ~ Legal Advocacy ~ Legal Services
Languages of Services: English

Court Support and Counseling Services

Phone: (416) 789-9793
Type of Service: Charitable Services ~ Criminal Court Preperation ~ Court Accompaniment ~ Counseling ~ Information/ Referral Services ~ Legal Services~ Counseling (Partner Abuse)
Languages of Services: English ~ French

D.O.O.R. 2 ADULTHOOD

1-800-363-2440 or 416-425-6220, ext. 3207
http://door2adulthood.com
Email: transitionontario@ablelink.org

"D.O.O.R. to Adulthood" is a project that was started by a group of consumers (including youth and young adults with disabilities and parents) and service providers in Ontario. After discussions and some research, the group found that people needed information about services and resources and an opportunity to network about helping youth get ready for adult life. It was decided that a website would be a great way for people across Ontario to get the information they need about transition to adulthood. Youth, parents, and service providers have participated in the development of the project to make sure that it meets their needs.

The goal of "D.O.O.R. to Adulthood" is to improve the process of transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities and their families in Ontario How is the project being paid for?

So far the project has received money from Bloorview MacMillan Foundation, West Park Foundation, CanChild, and the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care. Also, all organizations involved have helped by giving their time, expertise, resources and supplies. Who has helped?

• People with disabilities and their parents
• Ability Online
• Bloorview MacMillan Children's Centre
• CanChild Centre for Disability Research
• Centre for Independent Living Toronto
• Easter Seal Society
• Erinoak
• Family Net
• Gage Transition to Independent Living
• Toronto District School Board
• Ontario March of Dimes
• Ontario Association of Children's' Rehabilitation Centres
• West Park Healthcare Centre.

Education Wife Assault

215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 220
Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2C7
Phone: 416-968-3422
TTY: 416-968-7335
Fax: 416-968-2026
Email: info@womanabuseprevention.com
http://womanabuseprevention.com

Mission: To inform and educate the community about the issue of wife assault/woman abuse in order to decrease the incidence of physical, psychological, emotional and sexual violence against women and the effect that woman abuse has on children.

Family Service Association of Metropolitan Toronto

Phone: (416) 595- 9618 – (416) 595-9230 is the central intake number for all programs in all locations of Family Services of Family Service Association of Metropolitan Toronto
Fax: (416) 595-0242
Email: sau@familyservicetoronto.org
Website: www.fsatoronto.com
Type of Service: Counseling ~ Ethno- specific Services ~ Gay/ Lesbian Service ~ Group Counseling ~ Individual Counseling ~ Information/ Referral Services
Languages of Service: ASL interpretation provided ~ English ~ Farsi ~ French ~ Greek ~ Hindi ~ Somali

Immigrant Women’s Health Centre

Phone: 416 323 9986
Fax: (416) 323-0447
Email: iwhc@canada.com
Type of Service: Educational Programs ~ Health Care Services ~ Individual Counseling ~ Information/Referral Services
Languages of Service: Cantonese ~ English ~ Farsi ~ Greek ~ Italian ~ Mandarin ~ Portuguese ~ Punjabi ~ Serbo-Croatian ~ Spanish ~ Turkish ~ Urdu~ Vietnamese

Jamican Canadian Association

Phone: (416) 746-5772
Fax: (416) 746-7035
Email: info@jcassoc.org
Website: www.jcassoc.org
Type of Service: Accompaniment Services ~ Crisis, Group, Individual Counseling, Cultural Interpretation Services ~ Drop Ins Women’s Centres Ethno Specific Services ~ Financial Assistance/ Support ~ TTC fare provided AS Needed ~ Information/ Referral Services Languages of Service: English ~ Spanish ~ West- Indian Dialects

Mentorship Program

25 Buchan Court
Toronto, Ontario M2J 4S9
Fax: (416) 494-9985
Kimberlea Jones-Galley, (416) 425-6220, x3645
Email to kgalley@bloorviewmacmillan.on.ca
http://www.bloorviewmacmillan.on.ca/

A program for youth to develop skills to become a Mentor and for children and youth who may benefit from having a Mentor. They currently have 20 trained Mentors, and are looking to match them up with young people (ages 8 and over) who would like to have a Mentor. Mentorship encourages youth to support one another to establish and achieve goals. It provides participants with the opportunity to acquire skills to enhance their independence. Mentorship Training is held at the Bloorview MacMillan Centre at the MacMillan Site. Mentors are between the ages of 16 and 29 years.

Mood Disorders Association of Canada

40 Orchard View Blvd., Suite 222
Toronto, Ontario M4R 1B9
Tel: (416)486-8046
Toll-free:1-888-486-8236
Fax: (416)486-8127

What is a Mood Disorder? Ordinarily, people experience a wide range of moods and have an equally large repertoire of affective expressions; they feel in control more or less of their moods and affects. In mood disorders, the sense of control is lost, and people experience distress. People with an elevated mood (mania) can show expansiveness, flight of ideas, decreased sleep, heightened self-esteem and grandiose ideas. People with depressed mood (depression) can have a loss of energy and interest, feelings of guilt, difficulty in concentrating, loss of appetite and thoughts of death or suicide.

Source: Synopsis of Psychiatry, Kaplan & Sadock, 1998.
Related Resources and Sites Source: http://www.psyweb.com/Mdisord/moodd.html#df

Vision Statement: People affected by mood disorders are treated with care, compassion, respect and equity. The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario:

• is a recognized and trusted leader in education, research, information and support;
• is supported by the community;
• provides inclusive, equitable access within an effective, comprehensive system.

Mission Statement: To enhance the quality of life for all affected by mood disorders through support, information, education and advocacy.

MDAO support groups are peer led by volunteer facilitators. Our facilitators are trained by experienced mentors. Our group leaders are people that have been affected by a mood disorder and are therefore able to relate to group participants on a personal level. Anyone dealing with a mood disorder and seeking support may attend a standard group. MDAO also runs groups for family members and partners, women and youth ages 16 -29. Please contact the Mood Disorders Association for more details.

Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada

Peer Support Program
2345 Yonge Street, Suite 900
Toronto, Ontario M4P 2E5
Tel: 1-866-MUSCLE-8
Fax: (416) 488-7523
Email: info@muscle.ca
http://muscle.ca

Support comes in many forms and is dependent on individual needs. Some people already have strong support systems in place through family, community, and church and their needs are minimal. Other people are facing stresses such as financial difficulties or family problems, in addition to the day-to-day reality of life with a neuromuscular disorder. Life can become difficult at particular times, such as when the diagnosis is made or when symptoms seem to get suddenly worse.

Ontario Crisis Centres and Transition Houses

Phone: (905) 848-7493
Fax: (905) 848-7368

Redwood Shelter

Phone: (416) 533-8538
Fax :(416) 533-7867
Website: www.redwood.com
Type of Service: Crisis, Group and Individual Counseling ~ Accompaniment Services ~ Information/ Referral Services ~ Shelters (Emergency)
Staff skilled in: Non-violent Conflict Resolution
Languages of Service: Amharic ~ English ~ Farsi ~ German ~ Pashto ~ Portuguese ~ Sinhalese ~ Spanish ~ Tamil ~ Urdu ~ West Indian Dialects

Self Help Resource Centre of Greater Toronto

40 Orchard View Bklvd., Suite 219
Toronto, Ontario M4R 1B9
Tel: 416-487-4355
Toll free: 1-888-283-8806
Fax: 416-487-0344
Email: shrc@selfhelp.on.ca
http://www.selfhelp.on.ca

What is Self-Help/Mutual Support? Self-Help/Mutual Support is a process of sharing common experiences, situations or problems. Self-help is participatory and involves getting help, giving help, and learning to help yourself as well as sharing knowledge and experience. There is no charge to participate, although a nominal donation to cover expenses is sometimes requested, but never required. Self-help initiatives continue on an ongoing basis, are voluntary in nature rather than mandatory, and are open to new members. Self-help activities are run by and for the participants. The primary purpose of self-help is to provide emotional support, practical support and information exchange rather than mandatory, and are open to new members. Self-help activities are run by and for the participants. The primary purpose of self-help is to provide emotional support, practical support and information exchange.

Mission: to promote self-help/mutual aid. The goals of the organization are to increase awareness about self-help/mutual aid in the community and among helping professionals, and to facilitate the growth and development of self-help groups, networks and resources. The Self-Help Resource Centre is a registered charitable organization and was established in 1987 to facilitate the growth and development of self-help groups, networks and resources in the Greater Toronto area and throughout the Province of Ontario.

Sexual Assault/ Rape Crisis Centre of Peel

Phone: (905) 273-3337
Fax: (905) 273-3336
24 hour Crisis Line: (905) 273-9442
Toll Free: 1-800-810-0180
Email: sarccp@web.net
Website: www.sarccp.org
Type of Service: Accompaniment Services ~ Crisis Counseling ~ Educational Programs ~ Group Counseling ~ Individual Counseling ~ Information/ Referral Services
Languages of Service: English ~ French ~ Portuguese ~ Punjabi ~ Spanish

Skills for Transition Program (ages 15-20)

Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Centre

MacMillan Site.
25 Buchan Court
Toronto, Ontario M2J 4S9
Fax: (416) 494-9985

Phone:416-425-6220

Toll-free: (800) 363-2440

E-mail: info@bloorview.ca

http://www.bloorviewmacmillan.on.ca/

This community based program promotes developmental independence skills for youth with physical disabilities preparing for the transition into adult life. Life skill coaches work individually with each youth, while collaborating with families, educators, and other allied health professionals and community partners.

Springtide Resources

Phone: (416) 968-3422
Fax: (416) 968-2026
TTY: (416) 968-7335
Email: info@womenabuseprevention.com
Website: www.springtideresources.org
Type of Service: Educational Programs ~ Information/Referral Services ~ Research Services ~ Publication Materials
Languages of Service: English ~ French ~ Spanish ~ Taglog ~ Persian Mandarin ~ Cantonese- West Indian Dialect ~ Korean ~ Chinese ~ Azari

South Asian Women’s Centre
Phone: (416) 537-2276
Fax: (416) 537-9472
Website: www.sawc.org
Type of Service: Accompaniment Services ~ Cultural Interpretation Services ~ Drop Ins/ Women’s Centre ~ Ethno specific Services ~ Group Counseling ~ Individual Counseling ~ Information/ Referral Services ~ Settlement Services~ Wellness Group ~ Youth Drop In ~ Educational Tutoring
Languages of Service: English ~ Hindi ~ Punjabi ~ Sinhalese ~ Tamil ~ Urdu ~ Gujarati ~ Marathi ~ Bengali

Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association

P.O.Box 103, Suite 1006
555 Richmond Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5V 3B1
Toronto & GTA (416) 214-1056
Toll Free 1-800-387-1575
Fax (416) 214-1446
Email provincial@sbhao.on.ca
http://sbhao.on.ca

Mission: To build awareness and drive education, research, support, care and advocacy to help find a cure while always continuing to improve the quality of life of all individuals with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.”

Personal Support: You can contact SB&H and know that we will be there to listen and support you through the daily challenges of living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. We are your source for comfort and understanding, providing emotional support and information. Our staff and volunteers are empathetic, sharing your experiences.

Having difficulty getting what you need? SB&H can help! When issues arise related to health care, employment, transportation, recreation, education, funding, etc. We are here to support you through the process, whether by acting on your behalf or giving you the necessary tools to proceed on your own.

Hydrocephalus Support Groups: Support groups are powered by the sharing of common experiences and concerns. A collective exchange where you may find answers to your individual needs. A place to find others who know what it's like, where you're not alone. This safe environment sets the stage for mutual support and encouragement, comfort, information exchange and positive feedback. This atmosphere can also provide personal growth, closer inter-personal relationships and increased self-esteem.

SB&H Support Groups meet periodically as the need arises. Currently, the Association facilitates an active support group for Adults with Hydrocephalus. They meet on the last Thursday of each month by phone and in person at the SB&H offices. If you are willing to share in the duties of organizing a new group, SB&H will help you get started. For information on support groups in your community contact Steve Kean, Programs & Services Coordinator at 1-800-387-1575 ext. 26.

Online Community Forum: The Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario is a network of individuals united by a common bond. The Online Support Community is a free service provided by SB&H, to its members and guests to this website for the purpose of sharing information and experiences.

Coping Day-to-Day: A place for individuals with spina bifida to talk about dealing with day to day challenges and obstacles. You can share what works and what doesn't. Get ideas, inspiration and support from others.

St Joseph’s Women’s Centre

Phone: (416) 530-6850
Fax: (416) 530-6629
Email: whcgroups@stjoe.on.ca
Website: www.stjoe.on.ca/pro_women_health.php?refer=pro_family_health.php
Type of Service: Accompaniment Services ~ Drop Ins/ Women’s Centre ~ Ethno specific Services ~ Group Counseling ~ Health Care Services ~ Individual Counseling ~ Information/ Referral Services
Languages of Service: Arabic ~ Czech ~ Polish ~ Portuguese ~ Russian ~ Spanish ~ Tamil ~ Ukrainian

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre

Tel: 416-597-1171
http://trccmwar.ca

Philosophy: TRCC/MWAR operates on principles of mutual respect and anti-oppression. We believe survivors of sexual violence are experts in their own healing. Together we work toward creating a thriving community, empowering survivors of all races, classes, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities and spiritualities.

Mission Statement: The TRCC/MWAR is a grassroots, woman-run collective working towards a violence-free world by providing anti-oppressive, feminist peer support to survivors of sexual violence through support, education and activism.

Vision: TRCC/MWAR envisions the liberation of women and children from all forms of violence. We celebrate freedom of choice, sexual freedom, and healthy communities and human interactions.

Women’s Health in Women’s Hands

Phone (416) 593-7655
Fax: (416) 593-5867
TTY: (416) 593-5835
Email: whiwh@web.net
Website: www.whiwh.com
Type of Service: Group Counseling ~ Health Care Services ~ Individual Counseling ~ Information/Referral Services ~ Mental Health Programs
Languages of Service: English ~ Bengali ~ French ~ Somali ~ Spanish ~ Tagalog ~ Swahili ~ West Indian Dialects ~ ASL Interpreters Provided ~ Various Languages